DIY Dried Whole Oranges
If you’re looking for a creative, eco-friendly craft to add a natural touch to your home decor, look no further than dried whole oranges. These beautiful, fragrant citrus slices make for wonderful additions to wreaths, garlands, and holiday displays. Plus, they can be used as delightful homemade gifts, potpourri, or even as ornaments for your Christmas tree.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Fresh oranges or mandarins (as many as you want to dry)
- A sharp knife
- A baking sheet
- A wire rack
- An oven or dehydrator
Step-by-Step Guide
1.Prepare the Oranges
Using a sharp knife, gently cut into the peel of the mandarin or orange from nearly the top to nearly the bottom. (You want to leave a small circle at the top and bottom without any cuts.) Pierce just through the skin and avoid cutting into the inside fruit part. Rotate the citrus around and continue to make these downward cuts along the skin of the fruit.
After making the cuts, gently press down on the orange to make sure the cut went all the way through the skin.
2.Drying Process in the Oven
Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting, usually between 170-200°F (77-93°C). Place the whole mandarins on a wire rack on a baking tray. The wire rack allows for airflow beneath the fruit and makes the drying process go faster.
The drying time will vary depending on your oven’s heat and the size of the mandarins. Typically they can take between 12-48 hours. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning or over-drying.
SAFETY CHECK: This is a great activity to do when you’re home. You should turn off your oven if you are going to sleep or leaving your house. I just turned it on and off throughout the course of a few days.
Alternative Method: Use a Dehydrator
If you have a food dehydrator, you can also use it to dry whole oranges. Place the whole oranges on the dehydrator trays and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This method is slower but more energy-efficient.
Creative Ways to Use Dried Whole Oranges
Once you’ve successfully dried whole oranges, it’s time to get creative with how you display and use them!
- Holiday Decorations: Dried whole oranges make gorgeous, natural ornaments for your Christmas tree. You can string them up with twine to create a festive garland or hang them with ribbon as individual ornaments. Place dried whole oranges in a decorative bowl and leave them around the house to subtly perfume your space. The citrus scent will add a fresh, festive fragrance that lingers in the air.
- Scented Potpourri: The citrusy fragrance of dried whole oranges makes them perfect for potpourri. Combine them with cinnamon sticks, dried cloves, and other spices to create a seasonal blend. Place it in a decorative bowl or a small sachet to freshen up any room.
- Wreaths and Garlands: Dried whole oranges are perfect for creating rustic wreaths and garlands. Use wire or string to attach the slices or whole oranges to a wreath frame for a beautiful natural decoration that can be hung on your door.
Benefits of Dried Whole Oranges
Not only are dried whole oranges visually appealing, but they also offer the benefit of being completely biodegradable. They should be placed in the compost at the end of the season. This makes them an eco-friendly choice for those looking to reduce waste and use natural materials for crafting.
Dried oranges also retain their fragrance for months, providing long-lasting scent without any artificial additives.
Conclusion
Making dried whole oranges is an enjoyable, simple craft that brings the beauty of nature into your home. Whether you use them in holiday decor, as part of a fragrant potpourri, or as unique gifts, dried whole oranges are a wonderful way to embrace sustainability while creating beautiful, homemade decorations. Try it yourself and enjoy the warm citrus aroma that fills your home!
If you want a project that takes a bit less time, try making dried orange slices or orange pomanders with cloves.
